Nintendo Confirms March 2017 for ‘NX’ Launch Date; Will Have Zelda

Nintendo has now officially gone on record to make some concrete announcements about their upcoming new console, codenamed the “NX.” The company confirmed on the third page of their quarterly report for investors that the “NX” will launch in March 2017:

For our dedicated video game platform business, Nintendo is currently developing a gaming platform codenamed “NX”

with a brand-new concept. NX will be launched in March 2017 globally.

The announcement was followed-up via Nintendo’s social media pages, where the same message was announced –

The Legend of Zelda Delayed

And while on the topic of the “NX” console, Nintendo has also announced another delay in releasing their next title in The Legend of Zelda series. The new Legend of Zelda game is now not only expected in 2017, but it is being developed in tandem with an “NX” version of the game, in addition to the already-planned Wii U version. Aside from mentioning this news on Nintendo’s quarterly report, it was then confirmed on their social media pages as well –

Nintendo at E3

And to cap off all of this news, Nintendo of America’s PR team had this to say about the company’s presence at this year’s E3 –

Nintendo changes its approach to the show every year. This June, Nintendo will focus its attentions on the upcoming game in The Legend of Zelda franchise. The Wii U version of the game will be playable for the first time on the E3 show floor, and it will be the only playable game Nintendo presents at the show, in order to provide attendees a complete immersion. Additional information about Nintendo’s E3 plans will be announced in the future.

What is perhaps a little shocking about the announcements, for one, is the quiet nature of Nintendo’s methods in making them. Is this not news that would be worthy of mentioning in a Nintendo Direct or in another major press announcement? It seems most media is picking up the stories from investor reports and social media, rather than a more…direct (facepalm)… or “loud” form of press release. Surely mixed feelings are abound regarding Nintendo’s decisions on “NX,” the new Legend of Zelda, and the idea of only having one playable game on the show floor at E3. Some feel it is the nail in the coffin, while others understand the hype behind the new Zelda title and the need to launch the “NX” console only when it is ready and perfected (even if that means taking more time to make it right). Please sound off with your thoughts in the comments below!